A New Family Tradition?

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to go with a group of new friends

to pick out our Christmas tree. . . 

not just from Wal-mart or Home Depot,

but from a Christmas tree farm in the mountains! 

It was freezing + raining. . . in fact by the end I think there were snow flurries,

 but we loved every cold, wet minute! 

First, we took our time looking around for the perfect tree.

Pretty quick the children found one they liked.

In fact, I was pulling for a different one, but got out-voted!

I was more than happy to let them choose. . .   

. . . as my friend reminded me that pretty soon they will be grown,

and may not be as anxious and excited to be involved in the process!

The one we found (pictured to the right of us) had a super full, round bottom-half,

and thinned out a bit at the top. It was very uniquely pretty.

And so the fun began. . . the MEN got out the saw and started at it:

SUCCESS!!

We watched our tree have it's needles "shaken out" and then wrapped.

Dad had a time getting it secured on our van, but again, was quite successful!! 

While dad worked on getting the tree secure, we warmed our hands by the fire in the cabin,

 and sipped hot apple cider. . . and then visited with Santa!! (pictures to come)

Even though it was overcast and rainy, it was so beautiful. 

I loved the smell, the fog, and the misty outline of the distant trees. 

So romantic. 

It reminded me of what I imagine Forks to be like. . .

and made me want to read Snow Falling on Cedars! 

I LOVE the Northwest.

The tree is now decorated and looks BEAUTIFUL!! 

We'll see if the tradition sticks. 

A Taste of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

We woke up again this morning to SNOW!! 

We arrived at Num Num and Papa's yesterday afternoon,

and attended a lovely evening service at their chapel.

During the night, it began to snow and snowed heavily well into the afternoon. 

It was so lovely and peaceful when we woke this morning,

that the pastor and I decided to take a walk around the block.

I can't remember the last time I've experienced anything quite like

the "sound" of noiseless, falling, soft snow. . . .

catching snow flakes in my mouth, making snow angels.

We ate around 1:00 and had a wonderful meal cooked by Num Num.

It was nice to once again have a year off as far as cooking.

The pastor requested Mama Jo's sweet potatoes,

and of course we had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans too. 

It was all so wonderful. . . especially being together!! 

Tonight, the pastor has taken the four olders, along with Papa,

over to some friends' to go sledding. 

I hope they stay warm, as we have had to improvise with the snow attire! 

I'm sipping coffe, reflecting on the day. 

Thank you dear Father for Your many, many blessings. 

I am overwhelmed and so undeserving. 

You are so kind. 

Thank you. 

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. . . 

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, 

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

For he satisfies the longing soul,

and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Psalm 107:1,2,8,9

Snow: Day 2

We woke up this morning to this: 

We are experiencing for the first time:

25 degree weather

sledding

 

layers and layers and layers of clothes

shoveling the driveway

our California boogie board on ice

creativity in the snow

making a snow man in OUR yard

freezing toes and fingers

melted snow all over the house

snow angels

two mornings in a row of family walks through a "winter wonder-land"

homemade snow "ice-cream"

a home-school "snow-day"

 and we are loving every minute.

Our First Snow